ত্বং বৈষ্ণবী শক্তিরনন্তবীর্যা
বিশ্বস্য বীজং পরমাসি মায়া।
সম্মোহিতং দেবি সমস্তমেতৎ
ত্বং বৈ প্রসন্না ভুবি মুক্তিহেতুঃ।।
On the fifth day of Durga Puja, a sense of sorrow permeates as Dashami arrives. Dashami holds a profound significance in the lives of individuals, society, and culture. It marks the culmination of the grand puja, as Maa Durga departs from our world to begin her journey to Kailash. For those who fast during these days, Dashami is a moment of genuine self-reflection and spiritual realisation.
On Dashami, tears and grief fill everyone’s eyes. The pain that subtly starts with the initial Sandhya Puja becomes more evident on this day. The day begins with a warm and affectionate send-off to Maa Durga. The tradition of “sindoor khela,” a women-centered game, takes place. In this ritual, mothers, married women, and girls exchange vermilion with one another, signifying their wishes for a blessed and joyous life.
The immersion of the goddess in Dashami is a poignant and emotional moment. Despite the dances and celebrations, a sense of sadness lingers in the hearts of everyone. The evening of Dashami becomes shrouded in darkness, and the entire neighbourhood falls into a sombre mood. After four days of happiness and enthusiasm, there is an air of indifference on the evening of Dashami, as people prepare to bid farewell to the goddess, eagerly waiting for her return to her father’s home after a year.
Dashami serves as a beautiful epilogue, introducing us to this noble day of worship. It offers a deep and heartfelt summary of this phase of worship, righteousness, and the empowerment of women. In this portrayal of Dashami and the Puja, we are shown the essence of our culture and identity during this crucial phase.
There is a notable conversation between Thakur Ramkrishna Dev Paramhansa and Babu Mathura Mohan regarding the significance of immersion. When Mathura expressed his reluctance to bid farewell to Goddess Durga, fearing the loss of her blessings, Sri Ramakrishna Dev smiled and replied, “Oh! Is that your fear? Who said you have to let her go? Where would she go if you did? Can a mother ever abandon her child? For these three days, she accepted your worship while placed outside, in the temple, but from today onward, she will reside closer to you – forever seated in your heart to receive your devotion. Where could you possibly immerse your mother? She will be immersed within your heart.”
~: Wish everyone Happy and Prosperous Dusshera and Bijoya Dashami :~
Credits: Photography by – Sinchan Neogy